A writer and former news editor, I may not have the answers, but I will ask questions.
Why "MuttonChops"? Check out my introduction to the blog: http://muttonchopsbyiris.blogspot.com/2008/06/culling-herd.html

Sunday, November 16, 2008

SC priest bans Obama lambs

While some folks are trying to keep church out of politics, a South Carolina priest is putting politics on the front pew, telling his flock to flee communion if they voted for Obama. Instead of keeping them in church and teaching his parishioners why he thinks they should repent and why Obama is supposedly so baaaad for allowing freedom of choice, the patron saint of polls is dipping into the holy water and washing his hands of them.I do want to at least thank the Father for giving us a steadfast example of “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” Obama’s stance on abortion rights was pretty low on the list of important issues facing Americans so if this priest had to go through the higher points before reaching one that went against his church standards, I’d say there’s a lot of reasons to be FOR our president-elect!I always thought Christians taught forgiveness, tolerance and understanding. Yet some people seem to think that they have risen to such high esteem in God’s eyes that they are more than just the right hand of the Lord.“Forgive me father, for I have sinned. I voted for Obama and I’m proud of it.”“You are not forgiven, but just in case, say 10 Hail Mary’s and 5 Our Father’s before grabbing your hand basket and heading out the front door towards Hell.”

Seems to me that this is a Good Thing. He drives people who disagree with him politically out of his church, leaving behind only those who see things in the way that he does. Those that stay were never going to challenge his position and, he makes clear, never will. Where is the harm in this? Those that leave will find a priest who grants them political latitude and they will be happier. The priest is happy, his congregation is happy, those that leave are happy (or will be). Where's the down side? Unless you think that the priest should be made to bend to the Will of the People? I would think that notion is clearly proscribed by the First Amendment and the traditions of this society.

Glad you were able to join in Douglas! I've seen other churches led by ministers with similar tactics. The idea that these leaders want like-minded folks to follow their doctrine is certainly not a new concept. Unfortunately, it is very constricting, judgemental. and leans towards a cult mentality. People may not agree line-by-line with a minister, but attend a church based on their choice of faith, the members and other influences. Why would a priest, who's general duty is to lead and teach, shun and shame his members? I see it as an abuse of power and authority.I know of a local church minister that requires his members to submit their W-2 forms to prove they are actually tithing 10 percent. It's one thing to have an idiot that does this, but the fact that church-goers would agree is a frightening relinquishment of free will.